Braden Smith’s 19-Point Start Proves Pacers Depth Is Broken

Braden Smith just showed the NBA what happens when a team runs out of stars. The rookie from Purdue scored 19 points and handed out 10 assists in a game where the Indiana Pacers started six players because everyone else was hurt or resting. The Hawks managed to escape with a 108-104 win on Monday night, but they nearly got upset by a squad that was missing its entire starting lineup. This loss for Atlanta feels like a lucky escape rather than a dominant performance, and the numbers tell the whole story.

A Salary Gap That Makes No Sense

The financial disparity in this game was absurd. According to Peachtree Hoops, bench players totaled roughly $193 million in salary, whereas active roster members earned approximately $15 million. That is a difference of nearly $200 million between the bench and the active roster. The Pacers were forced to play three players on two-way contracts just to get a game in. Tyrese Haliburton and TJ McConnell were among the names missing, leaving Smith as the only pure point guard available. He stepped up and ran the offense like a veteran, proving the team has depth but lacks the payroll flexibility to keep everyone healthy.

Atlanta had their own issues to deal with. Jalen Johnson was sidelined with an ankle tweak, and Jock Landale also missed out. Even with these absences, the Hawks held on, but it was closer than it should have been. Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the way with 34 points and hit nine three-pointers to tie his career best. Hawks head coach Quin Snyder admitted the win was tough to earn. “It’s a really good win,” said Snyder postgame, acknowledging the team was not at their best inside the rim.

Smith Earns More Minutes Immediately

Braden Smith did not just survive his first start; he dominated it. He spent 42 minutes on the floor and shot 8 of 13 from the field. Before this game, he had played only 18 total NBA minutes and scored a single point. He found out at walk-through that he would start, yet he attacked the basket with confidence. He scored 18 points in the paint by halftime, showing he can finish through contact even without Ivica Zubac or Pascal Siakam. 8 Points 9 Seconds reported that Smith performed exceptionally well during Monday night’s matchup versus the Atlanta Hawks.

The Pacers have a problem with their injury report, but they have found a solution in their rookie. Smith is the only player who can run the offense right now, and his performance proves he deserves more opportunity. The Hawks will have to prepare for a team that is dangerous even when missing its stars. Atlanta improved to 4-4, but the Pacers fell to 2-6 despite putting up a massive fight.

The Hawks Need to Fix Their Clutch Game

Atlanta built double-digit leads multiple times, only to watch them vanish. The Hawks shot 28 percent from the field in the third quarter and went on a nearly four-minute field goal drought in the fourth. Onyeka Okongwu sealed the win with a hook shot with 10 seconds left. Quenton Jackson added 20 points for Indiana, and Jay Huff scored 22. Atlanta’s size deficit was revealed as the Pacers connected on 17 of their initial 24 interior attempts.

But this win felt shaky. The Hawks need to stop giving teams like the Pacers a chance to come back when their best players are out. Nickeil Alexander-Walker did the heavy lifting, but the team cannot rely on one man to cover for a slow third quarter. Smith’s rise means the Pacers will keep fighting, and Atlanta must be ready for a real battle next time they face a depleted Indiana squad.